Artificial lawn element

ABSTRACT

An artificial outdoor lawn is formed by interconnecting a plurality of lawn elements, each lawn element including a pin which is adapted to be received within a mating opening provided in an adjacent lawn element, thereby to produce said interconnection. Projections are provided on the underside of each element to provide a clearance area beneath the lawn element when it is supported on a surface, thereby to permit drainage of water from said element. The appearance and density of natural grass is effectively simulated by providing a plurality of tufts of artificial grass blades in different arrangements over the upper portion of the lawn and by appropriately configuring the upper surface of the base from which said tufts extend.

United States Patent 2,512,310 6/1950 Corson Inventor Paul L. Kuzmick 30Oval Road, Essex Fells, N .J 07021 Appl. No. 714,559 Filed Mar. 20, 1968Patented Oct. 26, 1971 ARTIFICIAL LAWN ELEMENT 5 Claims, 10 DrawingFigs.

U.S.Cl 161/21, 161/63 Int. Cl A4lg 1/00 Field of Search 161/21, 62, 63,123, 149, 116, l 19; 27/29, 30

References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS Primary Examiner-l-larold AnsherAssistant Examiner-Henry F. Epstein Attorney-James and FranklinABSTRACT: An artificial outdoor lawn. is formed by interconnecting aplurality of lawn elements, each lawn element including a pin which isadapted to be received within a mating opening provided in an adjacentlawn element, thereby to produce said interconnection. Projections areprovided on the underside of each element to provide a clearance areabeneath the lawn element when it is supported on a surface,

thereby to permit drainage of water from said element. The appearanceand density of natural grass is effectively simulated by providing aplurality of tufts of artificial grass blades in different arrangementsover the upper portion of the lawn and by appropriately configuring theupper surface ofthe base from which said tufts extend.

PATENIEDum 26 mm 3.616. 104

SHEET 1 or 3 FIG.

/Z A? 33 3f /2 MNVENTOR PAUL A xuzmlcx ATTORNEYS 1 7 Z? 3% I 3 INCENTOR24 8 :31. L. Kl/ZMICK ATTORNEYS PATENTEnnm 26 197! 3.616, 104

SHEET 3 0F 3 INVENTOR PAUL L. KVZM/CK 9 L ATTORNEYS ARTIFICIAL LAWNELEMENT The present invention relates to an artificial ground surface,and particularly to an artificial surface which simulates the appearanceof a grassy lawn.

The exodus of residents from the urban areas to the suburban and ruralareas of this country has produced a sharp increase in the number ofpeople owning and living in their own homes. In an attempt to enhancethe pleasures derived from such home ownership, outdoor gardens, patios,swimming pools, and the like are installed in the areas around thehouse. The appearance of these additions to suburban residences is oftenimproved by providing a grassy lawn area of a desired pattern and sizein their vicinity. However, the growing and care of lawn areas is oftena burdensome and expensive procedure, requiring repeated purchases offertilizer and seeds, and frequent watering, weeding, and trimming ofthe lawn.

To avoid the problems inherent in the maintaining of a natural grassylawn, a great number of home owners have resorted to the use ofartificial lawns in some areas where such a lawn would be desirable.Artificial lawns comprise a base from which artificial grass bladessprout. They are generally made of a plastic material, such aspolyethylene, to which a suitable green color is applied.

Artificial lawns are also popular for use indoors in homes andapartments for decorative purposes or to give a desired floor texture,and in displays or showroom areas.

Artificial lawns have the advantage over natural lawns that they do notrequire soil or light, remains constantly green throughout the year,require little or no care to maintain their appearance, and maybe usedindoors as well as out. As such, artificial lawns of the type describedare finding over increasing popularity among home owners, apartmentdwellers, and industrial and commercial concerns.

There are, however, several difficulties which have been encountered inthe use of the known artificial lawns. For example, liquid, coming fromrain, cleaning or spilling, tends to collect in pools between theartificial blades, and not having a true earth in which to be absorbed,remains there, and deteriorates the plastic material.

It also happens that water may get between the lawn elements and theirsupporting surface. With artificial lawns of the prior art, such watertends to accumulate in pools, deteriorating both the lawn elements andtheir support, as well as constituting an unsanitary condition.

Since artificial lawns are molded, since their size and shape will varyfrom installation to installation, and since they often must cover verylarge areas, it is as a practical matter inescapable that they must bemade up of a plurality of individual elements. Those elements must beheld in position securely, and with no visible gaps between them. Toindividually cement the elements in place, like a tile floor, is veryexpensive, difficult and time-consuming, and can only be done where thesupporting surface permits. It is, therefore, highly desirable that theelements be interconnectable in a manner which is secure, simple toeffect, and inconspicuous.

It is also desirable, in artificial lawns, for the overall appearance ofthe lawn to approximate or simulate the appearance of a well-tendednaturallawn as perfectly as possible. This includes the provision of anaccurate simulation of the color, density and texture of both the grassand the background of a natural lawn. Furthermore, known artificiallawns are generally formed on a plastic base which is normallysmooth-surfaced and hence highly reflective, so that glare results atcertain angles of incident light.

It is therefore a prime object of the present invention to provide anartificial lawn which substantially eliminates all of the abovedisadvantages of the presently known artificial lawns, and whichproduces an improved simulation of appearance to more nearly approximatethe appearance of a natural lawn.

It is a more specific object of the present invention to provide anartificial lawn formed from a plurality of individual lawn elementswherein the means for interconnecting adjacent elements of the lawn issecure, easy to effect, and inconspicuous in the completed artificiallawn.

It is further object of the present invention to provide an artificiallawn in which proper drainage is insured of the rain or other liquidtending to collect on the upper surface of the lawn or to be caughtbetween the lawn elements and their supporting surface.

It is another object of the present invention to provide an artificiallawn in which a more accurate simulation of grass texture and density isachieved.

It is yet a further object of the present invention to provide anartificial lawn in which glare from the base surface is substantiallyreduced, and in which a more accurate approximation of backgroundtexture is achieved.

To these ends, the present invention provides an artificial lawn whichis formed from a plurality of individual lawn elements adapted to beinterconnected with one another. The individual lawn elements areprovided with pin means and mating openings adjacent their joined edges,the pin means of one element being received securely through the openingof an adjacent element, thereby to provide the interconnection betweenthe adjacent lawn elements, with the pin means being camouflaged fromview so as not to mar the visual impact of the assembly of elements.

In a further aspect of the present invention, element-supportingprojections provided on the underside of the base of each lawn elementproduce a clearance between the base and the outdoor surface on whichthe artificial lawn is placed during its use. Drain holes are providedin the base in communication with the clearance to provide a drainage ofany rain or other water which may tend to collect on the upper surfaceof the lawn. The element-supporting projections are so designed that thewater-receiving clearance areas facilitate water drainage therefrom, sothat water may drain away and not accumulate in pools.

In yet another aspect of the present invention. an improved simulationof natural grass is achieved by providing two groups of tufts extendingfrom the upper surface of the base, the tufts each comprising aplurality of artificial grass blades arranged in different forms, and,if desired, varying heights, in a manner as to simulate the nonunifonndensity of growth of natural grass. Preferably, the pin means associatedwith the interconnection of adjacent lawn elements in inserted into thecenter of one of the tufts, thereby to be effectively camouflaged orshielded from view in the completed artificial lawn. The interconnectionbetween adjacent lawn elements is made even more inconspicuous byproviding the joining edges of adjacent lawn elements with matinglateral hills and valleys.

To the accomplishment of the above, and to such other objects as mayhereinafter appear, the present invention relates to an artificial lawnand elements therefor, as defined in the appended claims, and asdescribed in this specification, taken together with the accompanyingdrawings in which:

FIG. 1 is a top plan view of a segment of an artificial lawn formedaccording to the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a top plan view of an individual lawn element used in formingthe artificial lawn of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a bottom plan view of the lawn element of FIG. 2;

FIG. 4 is a side elevation of the lawn element of FIG. 2;

FIG. 5 is an enlarged detailed view of a corner section of the lawnelement of FIG. 2;

FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view taken along the lines 6-6 of FIG. 5;

FIG. 7 is a fragmentary bottom plan view showing portions of adjacentlawn elements prior to their interconnection;

FIG. 8 is a fragmentary bottom plan view illustrating the manner inwhich the four adjacent lawn elements of FIG. 7 are interconnected inthe formation of the completed artificial lawn as in FIG. 1;

FIG. 9 is an enlarged cross-sectional view taken across lines 9-9 ofFIG. 8 illustrating the manner in which the ends of ad jacent lawnelements are engaged to form the completed artificial lawn of FIG. ll;and

FIG. 10 is a view similar to FIG. 9, illustrating another embodiment ofmeans for interconnecting adjacent lawn elements.

FIG. 1 illustrates an artificial lawn designated generally as 10, whichis formed by the interconnection of a plurality of individual lawnelements 12, several of which are shown in FIG. 1. In a typicalembodiment of this invention, each lawn element 12 may be 12 inchessquare. The lawn elements may be interconnected to form any desiredconfiguration of the completed lawn l0, compatible with the dimension ofthe individual lawn element 12. i

The individual lawn element 12 comprises a base 14 having an uppersurface 16 (FIG. 2) and a lower surface 18 (FIG. 3). A plurality ofsubstantially equally spaced tabs 20 project transversely outwardly fromtwo adjacent edges 22 and 24 of the lawn elements 12. Projectingupwardly from each of the tab elements is an upstanding securing pin 26.The other edges 28 and 30 of lawn element 12 are provided with recessedfastening area 32 formed on the underside 18 of base 14, the fasteningareas 32 being also substantially equally spaced at intervalscorresponding to the spacing between the taps 20. Each fastening area 32is provided with an opening 34 extending through the entire thickness ofbase 12. A plurality of mating scallops or lateral hills and valleys 33and 35, here shown as, but not necessarily, curved, are formed on eachedge of the lawn element, the scallops on edges 22 and 24, respectively,being adapted to mate with the scallops on edges 28 and 30 in the mannershown in FIGS. 1 and 8.

To simulate the appearance of natural grass, a plurality of tufts, eachcomprising a plurality of artificial thin and flexible grass blades,extends upwardly from the upper surface of base 14. Preferably, the base14, tabs 20, pins 26 and the simulated grass blades are integrallyformed in a one-piece molded plastic construction. Polyethylene is asuitable plastic material which may be used. As is best seen in FIGS. 5and 6, the tufts of blades of grass are divided into two differentpluralities of tufts designated generally as 36 and 38. The firstplurality of tufts 36 comprises two concentric rings of blades 40 and42, the outer ring 40 shown as comprising a total of eight upstandingblades 41 and the inner ring 42 shown as comprising a total of fourupstanding blades 43. The blades may be of the same or differentheights, as desired. As here specifically disclosed, the height of theblades 41 in the outer concentric circle 40 is approximately one-thirdgreater than the height of the blades 43 within the inner concentriccircle 42. The second plurality of tufts 38 comprises a single ring offour blades 44, the height of which may be as desired. As herespecifically disclosed, their height is substantially the same as theheight of blades 43 (see FIG. 6). The tufts 36 and 38 are alternatelyand uniformly distributed over the entire upper surface 16 of the base14; that is, each tuft of one type is directly adjacent and surroundedby tufts of the other type. The alternating distribution of the twodifferent types of blade tufts provides a nonuniform density of grassblades, corresponding to the overall density and texture of a naturalgrassy lawn. This heightens the feeling of verisimilitude of theartificial lawn of the present invention.

To further heighten this illusion of reality, a plurality of randomlyarranged intersecting ridges 4 5 are formed on the upper surface 16 ofeach lawn element 12. It has been found that the provision of ridges 45over the entire upper surface arranged in the random, crisscross mannershown in FIG. 5, provides a textural, visual sensation similar to thatof the earth or ground in a natural lawn, the ridges simulating brokenblades of grass which have fallen to ground level. Furthermore, theridges 45 serve to decrease the amount of glare from the plastic uppersurface 16 as compared to a plastic surface in which such ridges are notprovided.

The bottom surface 18 of lawn element 12 comprises a plurality ofdiagonally oriented integral ribs 46 which, as here specificallydisclosed, extend along both major diagonals of the square base element12, and along diagonal lines parallel to each of the major diagonals. Itis to be noted that the ribs 46 are not continuous, thereby defining aplurality of gaps such as gap 48, in the spaces between the ends ofadjacent ribs 46. Also provided integrally with the bottom surface 18are a plurality of cylindrical bosses 50, located substantially at thecenter of each square defined by the diagonal ribs 46. Bosses 50 andribs 46 define support parts which project downwardly from the lowersurface 18 of base 12 by substantially the same distance, whichpreferably corresponds to the general level of the lower surfaces 52 oftabs 20 (see FIG. 9). Thus, when the individual lawn elements 12 areinterconnected in a manner to be described to form the completeartificial lawn 10, the lawn 10 will rest upon its supporting surface ononly the ribs 46, the bosses 50, and the lower surfaces 52 of the tabs20.

FIG. 7 illustrates four adjacent lawn elements 12 immediately prior totheir interconnection, and FIG. 8 shows them after they have beeninterconnected.

The lawn elements 12 are brought together such that the edges 22 and 24of a given element 12, from which the tabs 20 and pins 26 extend, opposethe edges 28 and 30 of the adjacent element 12a, in which the openings34 are provided. As shown in FIG. 9, the openings 34 of lawn element 124are placed directly above the respective pins 26 of lawn element 12b andin registry therewith. Pin 26 comprises a reduced radius portion 54 atits upper and lower ends, and an enlarged downwardly and outwardlysloping portion 56 terminating at an annular shoulder 57. Lawn elementis then pressed downwardly, the sloping pin portion 56 acting in awedge-like fashion on the inner walls of the opening 34 to permit therighthand lawn element I2 to snap past shoulder 57. The shoulder 57prevents upward movement of the lawn element 12a with respect to the pin26 of lawn element 12b. The embodiment shown in FIG. 8 is similar tothat of FIG. 7, with the exception that the lawn element 12 is ofuniform thickness, the fastening portion 32 being unrecessed.

It will be noted that, as shown in FIG. 5, the openings 34 are providedcentrally in each of the tufts 36, located on 34 are provided centrallyin each of the tufts 36, located along the edges 28 and 30. Theremaining ones of tufts 36, located on the other edges, i.e., edges 22and 24, of the lawn element 12 and those tufts located within theinterior of the lawn element 12, may not be provided with such centralopenings. As a result, when pins 26 extend through the openings 34 toform the interconnection between adjacent lawn elements, the uppersurfaces of the pins 26 are received within the inner concentric circles34 surrounding by blades of grass 41 and 43 and are accordingly hiddenfrom view upon the interconnection of the adjacent lawn elements.

As shown most clearly in FIG. 8, when the adjacent lawn elements arebrought together as for interconnection, the mating scallops 33 and 35formed on the adjacent interconnected edges of the elements mate inflush engagement. The resulting sinuous interface between the adjacentlawn elements improves the appearance of the completed lawn byeliminating the boxlike appearance obtained by joining conventional lawnelements having linear edges. The engagement of the mating scallopededges also effective to provide uniform clearance between adjacent lawnelements and to render the interconnection between adjacent elementsless obvious, and hence improves the natural appearance of the completedlawn. In the completed lawn, the outer perimeter of the lawn will bedefined only by edges 28 and 30 so that the perimeter will be smooth andnatural, and unmarred by the presence of extending securing elementssuch as the tabs 22.

Ribs 46 and bosses 50 on the lower surface 18 of the individual lawnelements 12, which support the lawn elements as they rest upon the flooror ground, produce a clearance 62 between the supporting surface and theunderside 18 of the base. Each of the plurality of tufts 38, except forthose arranged directly adjacent to the edges of the lawn element, isprovided with a centrally located drain hole such as 60, which extendsthrough the entire thickness of the lawn element 12.

Thus, when liquid (from rain, spilled coffee, or cleaning fluid, forexample) falls upon the upper surface 16 of the lawn element 12, it willnot tend to collect between the individual blades of grass. Instead, itwill readily fall through drain holes 60 into the clearance 62, and fromthere it can flow through the gaps 48 provided between the ends ofadjacent ribs 46, so

as to drain away. Thus, rain or other liquid will not collect on theupper surface or beneath the lower surface of the lawn elements.

Thus, the artificial lawn of the present invention is made up of aplurality of readily molded standard elements which may easily besecured together in an inconspicuous manner so as not to reveal itssectional nature, so as to approach a real lawn in appearance much moreclosely than has heretofore been possible, and so as to permit drainageof liquids which may fall on the lawn.

While only a limited number of embodiments of the present invention havebeen here specifically disclosed, it will be appreciated that manyvariations may be made therein without departing from the spirit andscope of this invention as defined in the appended claims.

I claim:

1. A lawn element adapted for use in the formation of an artificial lawnsimulating the appearance of a natural lawn, said lawn elementcomprising a base, and grass simulating means extending upwardly fromsaid base, said simulating means comprising a first plurality of tuftscomprising a plurality of artificial grass blades arranged essentiallyin a pluralityof pairs of concentric circles, the blades of the outercircle being of a substantially different length than the blades of theinner circle, and a second plurality of tufts comprising artificialgrass blades arranged essentially in a single circle and tufts of saidsecond plurality being located on said base between said tufts of saidfirst plurality.

2. The lawn element of claim 1 further comprising a plurality ofrandomly arranged ridges formed on the upper surface of said base,thereby to more perfectly simulate the texture of a natural lawn.

3. An artificial lawn element adapted to be placed on a supportingsurface in conjunction with other similar elements to simulate theappearance of a natural grass area, said lawn element comprising a base,a plurality of tufts in the form of blades of grass projecting upwardlyfrom said base, a portion of said tufts being arranged in essentiallytwo concentric circles, and a plurality of randomly oriented ridgesformed on the upper surface of said base thereby to simulate the textureof a natural lawn.

4. An artificial lawn element adapted to be placed on a supportingsurface in conjunction with other similar lawn elements to simulate theappearance of a natural grass area, said elements comprising a base,grass simulating means projecting upwardly from said base, and aplurality of randomly arranged ridges formed on the upper surface ofsaid base, thereby to simulate the texture of a natural lawn.

5. A lawn element adapted for use in the formation of an artificial lawnsimulating the appearance: of a natural lawn, said lawn elementcomprising a base, and grass simulating means extending upwardly fromsaid base, said simulating means comprising a plurality of tuftscomprising a plurality of artificial grass blades arranged essentiallyin a plurality of pairs of concentric circles, the blades of the outercircle being of a substantially different length than the blades of theinner circle.

2. The lawn element of claim 1 further comprising a plurality ofrandomly arranged ridges formed on the upper surface of said base,thereby to more perfectly simulate the texture of a natural lawn.
 3. Anartificial lawn element adapted to be placed on a supporting surface inconjunction with other similar elements to simulate the appearance of anatural grass area, said lawn element comprising a base, a plurality oftufts in the form of blades of grass projecting upwardly from said base,a portion of said tufts being arranged in essentially two concentriccircles, and a plurality of randomly oriented ridges formed on the uppersurface of said base thereby to simulate the texture of a natural lawn.4. An artificial lawn element adapted to be placed on a supportingsurface in conjunction with other similar lawn elements to simulate theappearance of a natural grass area, said elements comprising a base,grass simulating means projecting upwardly from said base, and aplurality of randomly arranged ridges formed on the upper surface ofsaid base, thereby to simulate the texture of a natural lawn.
 5. A lawnelement adapted for use in the formation of an artificial lawnsimulating the appearance of a natural lawn, said lawn elementcomprising a base, and grass simulating means extending upwardly fromsaid base, said simulating means comprising a plurality of tuftscomprising a plurality of artificial grass blades arranged essentiallyin a plurality of pairs of concentric circles, the blades of the outercircle being of a substantially different length than the blades of theinner circle.